Elsie & Sergio's Budget Backyard

My Great Outdoors

Name: Elsie Location: Highland Park, Los Angeles, California

When they moved into their home in 2009, Elsie and Sergio's backyard was essentially a "weed-filled, sloping dirt lot." Because they were working with a tight budget, the project was slow-going but, thanks to a few lucky thrift store scores, it finally came together into a room-like outdoor space, perfect for entertaining.

They've done most of the work entirely on their own. The most challenging part? Hauling 3.5 tons of pea gravel. It took 70+ trips back and forth with the wheelbarrow!

In the future they plan to build a small wooden deck off the house, install more landscaping, plant a few veggies and build a gas fire pit.

Elsie says:

We’re eager to continue with our plans but have wasted no time in enjoying the space as it is now. We love how comfortable our guests feel when they come over. It’s not uncommon for us to turn on the music, open a bottle of wine and sit by the fire long into the evening.